- Four electronic toll points were installed for loan repayment along the 260km Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi expressway
- Minister Umahi confirmed adherence to Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) guidelines for the tolling system
- Plans for a cashless collection system to ensure accessibility for all users were also disclosed by Minister Umahi
To repay a $460.8 million loan from China Exim Bank, which finances 85% of the $542 million project, the Federal Government has installed four electronic toll points along the 260km Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi expressway.
Responding to questions about the tolls in Abuja, Minister of Works David Umahi stated that the tolling system is in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) guidelines governing public-private partnerships in Nigeria.
New tolling law established by ICRC
“The total length of that road is 260 kilometres, and it is dualised, which means you are talking about 520 kilometres, and I don’t think that we have more than four toll gates on that road.
“There is a law establishing infrastructure concession regulatory commission, and they have the minimum requirements and maximum requirements for tolling,” Umahi stated.
The expressway, constructed by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC) using the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction–Finance (EPC+F) model, has been completed, though the toll gates are still not operational.
Umahi confirms tolling plan complies with guidelines
Umahi stressed that the tolling plan for the expressway adheres to ICRC guidelines and noted that a committee has been formed to oversee the implementation of a cashless collection system.
He noted that the committee will hold a meeting with the ministry next week to wrap up the process, aiming to ensure that all road users, including those who are not well-versed in electronic payment methods, can access the system.
Acknowledging possible challenges related to ICT literacy, Umahi stated that the government intends to create solutions that cater to users with limited digital skills, promoting an inclusive tolling experience.
FRSC unveils new digital tools to enhance road safety, others
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Between January and July 2024, Nigeria recorded 2,776 road traffic fatalities and 16,000 injuries, according to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Subsequently, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) introduced a new mobile app and National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to improve road safety.